Norwich mayoral race fundraising reported

Norwich - The 2013 mayoral race is heating up in the two Democratic candidates' bank accounts, with Alderwoman Deberey Hinchey having raised about $15,000 to date and Alderman Charles Jaskiewicz $9,050.

The candidates filed first quarter financial reports Thursday detailing donations and expenses through March 31.

Although Republican incumbent Mayor Peter Nystrom has yet to announce whether he will run for re-election, a third candidate has announced intentions. Libertarian William Russell of 399 Laurel Hill Ave. has applied to the Secretary of the State's Office for a nominating petition to be placed on the ballot.

According to her campaign finance report, Hinchey raised $13,600 through March 31. Her campaign spokesman, Michael Farina of the Manchester consulting firm the Vinci Group, said another $2,000 was has been raised after the reporting deadline.

All of Hinchey's funds have come from individual donations ranging from $10 to the state limit of $1,000.

For Jaskiewicz, all but $250 came from individual donors, with the same $10 to $1,000 donation range.

Hinchey is ahead of Jaskiewicz in spending, with $2,053 spent thus far - including $2,070 paid to the Vinci Group, some of it covering postage and other routine expenses. Hinchey said Friday she plans to use much of the money for campaign mailings, a campaign website and fliers to hand out during door-to-door campaigning.

Hinchey said she was thrilled by the support she has received thus far from residents and business owners.

"I'm working hard with people," Hinchey said. "One of the things that it shows is I'm doing a good job. You don't think people notice, and they do. I am so pleased."

Jaskiewicz said he is not concerned about trailing in the financial totals. He said his campaign is "on target for what we want to raise," and will spend the money wisely.

"One of the things we're going to demonstrate is that it's about demonstrating fiscal prudence in this city," Jaskiewicz said, "and for this campaign it's the same thing."

The two Democrats likely could face off in a primary prior to the November election, and both have lined up prominent party supporters. Hinchey's donors included Council President Pro Tempore Francois "Pete" Desaulniers, Board of Education member Joyce Werfen, Democratic Town Committee Chairman Frank Manfredi and former state Rep. Melissa Riley.

Jaskiewicz has received donations from former state Sen. Edith Prague, recently named as state commissioner on aging, Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Board of Education members Cora Lee Boulware and John Levangie, Democratic Registrar Dianne Daniels and former Board of Education Chairwoman Anna Alfiero.